by Joy King
“I tell you what, T-Roc. I’ll have a conversation with Tyler, you know, put in a good word for you.”
“You would do that for me, Chrissie?” he asked, pretending to sound shocked.
“Of course, everyone deserves to pursue their dreams, including gazillionaires like yourself,” she said, laughing.
“Chrissie, you’re the best.” T-Roc slowly moved in and gently slid his tongue into Chrissie’s inviting mouth. Her body melted in his arms in anticipation of the foreplay to come. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have kissed you,” T-Roc said as he stepped away from Chrissie.
“No, don’t be sorry.”
“I am. After the way I treated you I’m sure you never want me to touch you again. Please forgive me. You just looked so beautiful standing there. You know how much I love the way your curls frame your face,” T-Roc said, as he stroked her cheek. Chrissie rubbed the side of her face against his hand, loving his touch.
“It’s really okay. Your lips, your touch made me realize just how much I miss you.”
“I feel the exact same way, but I’m no good for you. I have to stop being selfish and do the right thing for once in my life. That means no matter how much it’s killing me, I have to give you up.” T-Roc was now beginning to believe his own lie-filled sermon. “Chrissie, I hope we can at least still be friends. You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.”
“Of course we can be friends, but I want so much more. You’re too hard on yourself T-Roc. Everyone makes mistakes. We can make this work.”
“I want to believe you, but I have so much growing up to do. If and when we can ever have a real relationship I want to come at you correct. Until then, I’m just grateful that you’re willing to be my friend.” T-Roc gave Chrissie a soft peck on the lips and left.
A tear rolled down Chrissie’s face as she stood there for a few minutes thinking that T-Roc was the most incredible man she had ever met and the best lover.
SIXTEEN
Down the Aisle
Tyler sat in William’s office, dreading the idea of discussing any business with him this early in the morning. She wished she could crawl back in bed and sleep all her pain away. “You know how I hate morning meetings, but yet that seems to be when they are all scheduled,” Tyler complained.
“It is part of the business, so get used to it darling,” William said with an irritating grin on his face, one she was seriously considering smacking off. But soon she would be away from him and all the other Hollywood honchos. Tyler was leaving in a couple days to take a much-needed two-week vacation at the exclusive island of Mustique. By the time she returned, she would’ve missed the well-publicized wedding of Andre Jackson and Chantal Morgan and hopefully the honeymoon. Ideally, she wanted to be home right now, packing for her adventure, instead of discussing work with William.
“William, you know I’m leaving in a couple of days. Can’t we discuss business when I get back? I’ll be well rested and more inclined to listen to any new movie ideas.”
“Listen kiddo, we have to keep you working so you can continue to afford vacations like the one you’re about to take. Besides the projects you already have lined up, I want you to read a script that I specifically wrote for you and T-Roc. This vehicle is an urban version of Pretty Woman.”
“Why are you writing a movie for T-Roc?”
“Because he is actually a damn good actor and I worked out something with his agent after we had to renege on our agreement, when Andre decided to complete Angel. I want to start filming in the summer after you’ve completed your next movie. We’re expecting this film to take you way over the top.”
“I’m sure T-Roc is pleased with this, but you’re going to have to find yourself a new leading lady. I’m not doing a movie with T-Roc,” Tyler said defiantly.
“Why not?”
“Where do I start? For one T-Roc’s ego wouldn’t allow for anyone else to be on the screen with him.”
“You were going to work with him on Angel.”
“Yeah, because we were desperate and I really didn’t have a choice.”
“You don’t have a choice this time, either,” William said sharply.
“Excuse me, I don’t think I heard you correctly,” Tyler responded with a clear threat in her voice.
William could sense his approach wasn’t working and opted to go another route. “Tyler, listen, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want. This script is just so damn good and no one can play the part but you. Just please read over it and if you don’t want T-Roc, we’ll consider someone else. I know you’ll be excited about the concept.”
“That sounds fine to me, I’ll read the script—” Before Tyler could complete her sentence she let out a deep breath and put her hand to her head as if in pain.
“Are you okay, Tyler?” William asked, full of concern.
“Yeah, I just felt a little dizzy for a minute. See, I told you I need a vacation. All this work and no sleep is throwing my whole body out of whack.”
“Darling, take the script with you, or better yet I can bring it with me when I join you on vacation.”
“Cute, William, you know I need this time to be alone. That means no visitors, including you. I will take the script and read it between massages and facials.” Tyler grabbed the papers and gave William a kiss on the cheek before leaving. While walking to her car she couldn’t help but take note of how light-headed she felt.
Chantal was beyond psyched about her pending marriage. For the last few weeks she and Shari had gone over every detail and in a very short time she had planned a magnificent wedding. Now it all came down to her and the perfect accessory.
“You look fierce in that dress,” Shari said as she held up the long train on Chantal’s custom-designed Vera Wang wedding gown.
“Isn’t it beautiful? I feel like a princess.” Chantal did a slight turn in the floor-length, three-sided mirror, relishing her beauty. “In a couple of days I will be Mrs. Andre Jackson. All my hard work is finally going to pay off. I will be in that elite crew of women who turned being a jump-off, then baby mama to full-fledged wife. I must say I’m very proud of myself.”
“Yeah, Chantal, you went from being hooker to housewife. I have to give you props. Honestly, I didn’t think it was possible, but once again you have proven me and everybody else wrong. Let’s all bow down to the Queen.” Shari got on bended knee as if bowing down to Chantal.
“Girl, stand up, before we read in Us Weekly that I’m some sort of tyrant that makes her friends bow down and worship her.”
“Well, isn’t that what you want? To be the queen of the world?”
“Of course, but that’s our secret,” Chantal squealed as she ran her hands down her beaded dress.
“So what’s up with Andre’s bachelor party? Are all his boys flying in for one last big blast before he is no longer a single man?”
“Believe it or not, Andre isn’t having a big blowout. I think a couple of his friends are taking him out for dinner and drinks, nothing too spectacular.”
“What? Party boy Andre is playing low? Surprise, surprise, maybe this whole family thing is mellowing him out.”
“I hope so. After the wedding me, him, and Melanie are going to Fiji for our honeymoon and family vacation. Maybe we can start working on a little brother for Melanie.”
“That’s a perfect idea. My mother always told me that when your child turns three or four it’s time to start working on the next one. Men start losing interest around that age and you have to pop out another one to keep the momentum going. Andre will definitely be a happy camper if you give him a little man.”
“My sentiments exactly. I have the million-dollar daughter. Now it’s time to give him the future billion-dollar son,” she said with a mischievous smile while taking off her wedding dress.
“Don’t take off your dress just yet. I want to take a good look at you before you become Mrs. Andre Jackson.” Both ladies turned around at the exact time to see who was invading their p
rivacy.
“What are you doing here?” Chantal asked in a stunned tone.
“I wanted to personally congratulate you on your victory and thank you,” T-Roc said, clapping his hands. “You truly are a fighter, Chantal. Who knew with all of your scheming that you would finally get the brass ring?”
“T-Roc, are you here to congratulate me or threaten to expose some of the secrets we share?”
“Chantal, I’m on your side. Plus why do I need to tell Andre what he already knows about you? That you’re a lying, manipulative, but very resourceful woman, all the qualities that I admire in the opposite sex. Besides, you’re doing me a favor.”
“What favor is that?”
“Marrying Andre, of course. With him out the way I have a chance with Tyler.”
“What is it with you men and this Tyler Blake bitch? She’s totally overrated, you know.”
“My beautiful Chantal, you’ll never understand, but then again why should you, you’re not a man. But don’t worry your pretty head. You just make sure you get Andre down that aisle. It would be a shame if you slit your wrists in vain.” Chantal wasn’t sure if she wanted to cry or throw her shoe so the heel would land directly in T-Roc’s evil eyes. The one thing she was sure of was that making the porno tape of T-Roc was the best decision she had ever made. Chantal had a feeling that in the future she would have to use her weapon to keep him on a short leash. But now wasn’t the time to let all be known.
“Thanks for the visit, T-Roc. I would invite you to the wedding but I’m afraid if you came no one else would show up. You’re more than welcome to send a gift though. You know my taste in presents, six figures and up.”
“Once again, congratulations. I truly wish you the best, Chantal. By the way I’ve already given you a gift. If it wasn’t for me, none of this would be possible.” T-Roc disappeared just as quickly as he showed up.
“What did he mean by that?” Chantal asked Shari as if she knew the answer.
“I don’t know. I’m still in awe that the infamous T-Roc was right in front of my face a minute ago. He looks even better in person.”
“Just remember the most evil things come in the most beautiful packages.” Chantal couldn’t help but turn and admire herself in the mirror.
As the big day neared, Andre’s nerves were getting the best of him. From the moment he proposed till now all seemed like a nightmarish blur. He never expected that his split-second of payback against Tyler would turn into a lifelong commitment with Chantal.
“Man, I can’t believe you really about to get married. I never thought I would see you walking down the aisle,” Andre’s best man, Kenny, said, shaking his head in denial.
“Who you telling? I still wouldn’t be convinced if it wasn’t for all these damn high-ass bills for this wedding that keeps coming to me. Chantal sure can break the bank. She spent a hundred grand on her wedding dress alone.”
“The shit made of diamonds or something? Man, what have you gotten yourself into with that broad?”
“I’m trying to figure it out myself. Chantal was definitely not the woman I imagined marrying. When I first told my mom she actually hung up on me. When I called her back she said whoever the impostor was on the other end of the phone she was going to call the police if they didn’t stop calling. When I told her to stop playing and that it was her son, she barked that there was no way she raised an idiot and whatever bad drugs I was on I had to stop taking them immediately.”
“Your mom came at you like that?”
“Damn sure did, and she wasn’t playing. She swears up and down that Chantal must have put some sort of voodoo on me because there is no way I could want to marry a woman like her. But it has nothing to do with voodoo. Between you and me, I asked Chantal to marry me out of spite.”
“Spite, what you mean?”
“I was at the wrap party with Chantal, and Tyler sashayed in there with that asshole William Donovan. They were going at each other like I wasn’t even in the room. Honestly, man, if I had a gun I would’ve put a bullet through both of their heads. Since I couldn’t shoot her with a gun I shot her with my mouth. When I proposed to Chantal I saw death across Tyler’s face, and for that moment I felt vindicated. Unfortunately, the very next moment I wanted to take the whole thing back, but it was too late.”
“Man it ain’t never too late to change your mind, especially when it comes to standing before God and everyone else vowing to dedicate the rest of your life to someone. You better cancel this shit now before it blows up in your face.”
“I already tried, but Chantal being the talented schemer she is has made this wedding front-page news. And besides that, Melanie’s heart is set that her mommy and daddy marry; it would crush her if I backed out now.”
“It’s going to break your heart waking up every day with a woman you don’t love. Are you sure there is no chance for you and Tyler?”
“Positive. I practically begged her to take me back but she refused. She is so dedicated to her career and William knows that. He dangled that over her head to do exactly what he wanted her to do. It makes me sick every time I think about it. Do you know he is planning on getting a divorce next year and then marrying Tyler?” Andre’s whole face wrinkled up in agony as he spoke those words. “I have to get the fuck out of this town because these people are on a whole other level with they bullshit. At least in my world when they come at you, you see them coming. These cold motherfuckers out here come from the back and fuck you straight in the ass with no lubricant or nothing, just straight raw dawg. All us industry cats running around like we gangsters; up here in Hollywood is where the real gangsters reside. You feel me?”
“Damn nigga, they got you out your element. It’s definitely time to get back to New York where your people at. Don’t get me wrong, I can definitely see you and Tyler as this Hollywood power couple but you don’t need all this stress. If shorty wants to be a part of this fake-ass bullshit then let her live. Chantal may be a little over the top but she does have your seed and she definitely will always have your back. You never know, she might surprise us all and make one hell of a housewife, but this Hollywood shit is dead. You don’t need them. Your paper is long.”
Andre listened intently to every word that was coming out of Kenny’s mouth but the point was being lost in translation. His mind and heart were somewhere else. He thought that by now the pain of losing Tyler would’ve passed and it wouldn’t hurt so badly. He reflected on a conversation he had with his father when he was twenty-one and sowing his wild oats. His father had looked at him seriously and said, “Son, I know you’re out here enjoying all these ladies and breaking hearts along the way, but remember something. One day you will meet a woman that you’ll fall deeply in love with and when you do, it will be the most powerful feeling in the world. The love you will have for her will be ten times greater than all the love she has for you, and the reason being is because God made man first. So watch yourself because all the hearts you break combined still won’t be able to touch the pain you will feel after that one woman breaks yours.” After Andre’s father made that statement he laughed for an hour straight. He never believed that any woman would ever have his heart and surely not break it. Now, here he was, a broken man. Marrying a woman he didn’t even love, let alone like, all to prove something. Andre had made his bed, now he had to lie in it.
“You look pale. Is everything okay?” Chrissie asked while helping Tyler pack for her trip.
“I think I’m coming down with the flu or something. I’m going to take some medicine before I leave. I’ll be fine.”
“What time is your flight?”
“First thing in the morning. I was actually supposed to leave today but I had a last minute emergency that I needed to handle.”
Chrissie paused for a moment and observed her best friend. It was killing her that Tyler was in so much pain. Even though she was trying to remain stoic, the heartache was clearly written on her face. “It must be difficult knowing that Andre’s wed
ding is tomorrow. You’re handling it well,” Chrissie said, while rubbing Tyler’s back, trying to comfort her.
“You have no idea, Chrissie. I’ll just be happy when it’s all over with,” she said, knowing that even then the throbbing of her heart wouldn’t ease; if anything it would intensify. The reality of them being married would make everything official and there would be no turning back.
“Honey, it will be soon. When you get back, Andre will be a distant memory. You’ll be back to work on a new movie and you won’t have time to even think about Andre Jackson. You’ll be fine, I promise.”
“I hope so, but I’m not really looking forward to work, either.”
“Why? You love doing movies.”
“The other day when I was in William’s office he gave me a script to look over. It’s a vehicle that he wants me and T-Roc to do together, as if I would ever do a movie with T-Roc.”
“For a minute he was going to replace Andre in Angel.”
“As I explained to William, we didn’t have any other options. I wasn’t about to let the movie go down the toilet because of my disgust for T-Roc. This is different. We can find someone else to star opposite me. If not, William can get himself a new leading lady.”
“You don’t mean that—you love working with William.”
“I do, but not enough to deal with that narcissistic T-Roc.”
“Tyler, I think you’re being too hard on T-Roc. I don’t think he’s a bad as you think.”
“Excuse me?” Tyler spit out, surprised Chrissie was defending him, especially since she knew their past.
“All I’m saying is that everyone deserves a second chance, Tyler.”
“How can you defend that monster?”
